'A universal masterpiece': Rome unveils restored palace designed by Michelangelo

Hundreds of lion gargoyles designed by Michelangelo have been restored to their Renaissance glory in Rome's Palazzo Farnese, which houses the French embassy, restorers and officials said on Friday.

The 300 sculptures on the cornice around the vast building -- each one different from the other -- were one of the highlights of the five-year restoration of the building's roof and facades.

Rome's chief cultural officer, Daniela Porro, told reporters it was "a real emotion" to be able to go on to the scaffolding and "caress" the sculptures.

She praised the 16th century palace in the heart of the Italian capital, whose facade was designed by Michelangelo, as a "universal masterpiece of architecture".

French architect Pierre-Antoine Gatier, who called the cornice "incredible", said restorers had identified one lion head on the front of the building that they believed had been sculpted by Michelangelo himself.

Gatier, who in France is one of several dozen architects charged with overseeing historical monuments, also spoke about more unusual discoveries during the project, such as evidence of the facade being used for sport after ancient tennis balls were found inside its crevices.

The palace has been the site of the French embassy since the 19th century.

French Ambassador Anne-Marie Descotes said the "constant commitment to look after it highlights the shared values of France and Italy".